Getting to Belarus takes more planning than it used to. Western airlines stopped flying to Minsk after Belarus forced a Ryanair flight to land in 2021, and EU airspace remains closed to Belarusian carriers. That said, Minsk is reachable — just not from Western Europe directly.
By air
Minsk National Airport (MSQ) is the main entry point. Belavia, the national carrier, operates routes to Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, Cairo, and cities across the CIS. Turkish Airlines and FlyDubai also serve Minsk. The most practical connecting hubs from Western Europe are Istanbul and Dubai. If you're coming from Eastern Europe or Central Asia, connections are easier still — Tbilisi, Yerevan, and Baku all have direct flights.
Note: as of 2025, the US lifted sanctions on Belavia, so the airline can technically sell tickets to American passengers again, though most Western booking platforms may still not offer it.
By train
Train is the most comfortable option from Russia. The overnight train between Minsk and Moscow takes about nine hours and runs daily; daytime high-speed services (the "Lastochka") cover the route in around seven hours. Trains from St. Petersburg take roughly thirteen hours. Since Belarus and Russia share a Common State, there are no border formalities between the two countries for most travellers.
By bus / coach
Coaches connect Minsk with Moscow, Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga, and Kyiv, though connections with EU countries are severely reduced due to land border restrictions. The Minsk Central Bus Station handles most international routes.
Land borders
Land crossings between Belarus and Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have been subject to closures and restrictions since 2021. Do not count on crossing these borders by car or on foot — check the current situation before travel, as crossings can close with little notice. The border with Ukraine is effectively closed due to the ongoing war. Crossings with Russia remain open and straightforward.
Visa
Since July 2024, citizens of 38 European countries (including most EU members) can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they fly into and out of Minsk airport — the visa-free regime does not apply at land borders. This arrangement has been extended through the end of 2026. US citizens can apply for an e-visa online for stays up to 30 days. Check with your country's foreign ministry for the latest rules, as the situation can change.
You'll need proof of travel medical insurance (minimum €10,000 coverage) and evidence of sufficient funds. For stays longer than 10 days, registration with local authorities is required — hotels handle this automatically, but if you're staying with a private host, they must register you.